UNILAG Launches Nigeria’s First Video Game Development Lab

By Foubri Vanessa

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Thursday, March 20, 2025, launched Nigeria’s first video gaming talent hub; Gamr Laboratory.

Situated at UNILAG’s Guest House, Akoka, Gamr Lab is a state-of-the-art video game development and e-sports training facility designed to train and empower young Nigerians and Africans with the digital skills needed to succeed in the global video gaming and e-sports industry.

Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, at the formal opening, acting Director of UNILAG’s Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO), Dr. Olayinka Adewumi, described the project as a testament to the dynamic relationship of the University, the French Embassy in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission(NSC), American multinational technology company; HP and 3D computer graphics game engine; Unreal Engine.

In her words “The new Gamr Lab adds to a list of technology and innovation hubs in UNILAG which are all targeted at building capacities and equipping young minds with digital tech skills, discovering and honing digital talents as well as grooming innovative ideas into real-time solutions while fostering collaborations across all STEM (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.”

She further added that the lab will nurture a new generation of video game developers in Africa from today’s video game consumers.

Eniola Edun, Chief Executive Officer/Co-founder of Gamr, explained that UNILAG was chosen as home to the Gamr lab because of its strong technology-driven faculty, prestige, and track record of integrity. She also applauded the management for fully embracing the project’s vision.

“The motive of this lab is to build games that are African-made and globally played. To achieve this, we are starting with the training of 150 trainees, mostly UNILAG students, with the goal of grooming at least 5,000 innovators in video game and e-sports development within the next 12 months”, she said.

Christopher Pecot, Attaché Audiovisual Regional and representative of the French Embassy in Nigeria, applauded the innovators behind the project and the choice of UNILAG as its base, a feat that, he said, sparked the embassy’s interest and commitment to its actualization.

The Head of Programmes at Gamr Studio, Ayodeji Daniel, reiterated that the Gamr Lab will serve as an innovation hub to train game developers, designers, and e-sports entrepreneurs. He added that it will equip them with the skills needed to build sustainable careers in the global digital creative economy, transforming video gaming and e-sports in Nigeria and Africa.

Guests, including industry players and aspiring developers, toured the facility, which featured high-end gaming PCs, VR stations, and an e-sports arena while past trainees of the lab showcased their creations, highlighting the lab’s impact.